Ryan Helsley Could Be Best Trade Chip For St. Louis Cardinals
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
A year after finishing last in the National League Central, the St. Louis Cardinals are enduring one of the poorest starts in baseball, indicating that this typically exemplary franchise may be at a pivotal juncture.
Before reaching that conclusion, they might consider firing manager Oli Marmol, though this could merely postpone the inevitable. Soon, John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations, will likely need to acknowledge that the team’s opportunity to succeed with stars Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt has passed.
Acknowledging this reality might lead to exploring trade possibilities for Goldschmidt. Yet, as Goldschmidt approaches free agency and his 37th birthday in September, coupled with a rough start to the season, his trade value as a former NL MVP is significantly diminished. Still, the Cardinals could consider trading him if he wishes to join a contender, though there are compelling reasons to keep him, either in hopes he accepts a qualifying offer or re-signs for a short term in 2025.
Regarding Arenado, the Cardinals may believe they can still contend with him as a key player, even as the 33-year-old moves past his prime. It’s also questionable how much trade value he retains. Arenado, who did not win a Gold Glove last season for the first time in his career and whose hard-hit percentage has dropped this season, is due $52 million from 2025 to 2027—a contract that would have been a steal a few years ago.
While the Cardinals might recognize the need to retool, they could opt to retain both Goldschmidt and Arenado through the season. Yet, this wouldn’t preclude them from having one of the top trade candidates in the market.
Should he be made available, 29-year-old closer Ryan Helsley would likely emerge as one of the most sought-after assets in the trade market, especially if other prominent relievers like Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics and Ryan Pressly of the Houston Astros remain with their current teams.
Ryan Helsley Presents Major Trade Chip for Cardinals
Since the beginning of the 2022 season, Ryan Helsley boasts a remarkable 1.63 ERA, ranking him second among qualified relievers. His 2.22 FIP is also impressive, only trailing Matt Brash of the Mariners. Furthermore, his 4.3 fWAR places him second in the same timeframe, only outpaced by Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians, who holds a 5.0 fWAR. Notably, Brash is sidelined for the season with Tommy John surgery, and like Phillips and Clase, is part of a first-place team. The rarity of elite relievers, especially those on non-contending teams, boosts Helsley’s trade appeal if the Cardinals decide to sell.
The Baltimore Orioles, notably in need of a closer, would significantly benefit from acquiring Helsley. Pairing him with Yennier Cano could create a formidable duo at the back of Baltimore’s bullpen, bolstering their chase for a 2024 World Series title and setting them up for a potentially top bullpen next year when Bautista returns.
The Orioles possess one of the best farm systems in baseball, rich in young position players. With a wealth of controllable talent already at the major league level, General Manager Mike Elias has the resources to trade from this surplus for a premier closer like Helsley.
Other potential suitors for a top late-game reliever like Helsley could include teams such as the Dodgers, Rangers, Yankees, and Braves. Should the Cardinals receive an offer including a player they view as a potential cornerstone for their lineup or rotation, it might be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Although Helsley remains under team control through the 2024 season, the utility of a closer is diminished on a struggling team. Given the missed opportunities to trade Goldschmidt or Arenado at their peak value, the Cardinals might be motivated to capitalize on Helsley, especially considering the physical toll of repeatedly throwing fastballs near 100 mph, which increases the risk of needing surgery.
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This post written by appeared first on Just Baseball.
